By
increasing the weight above the hands or counter weighting, and pairing
it with one of the industry's most forgiving putter heads, the
TaylorMade engineers have built one of the highest moi putters
available. Those of you familiar with my previous work know I
consider the entire putter when considering MOI and not just the head. If
you define high moi as resistance to twisting while in motion, then besides the
weight distribution of the putter head, counter weighting increases putter moi,
more total weight increases putter moi, face balance influences putter moi, grip
size and weight, along with weight distribution from grip to head have an
influence as well. All of these factors and more have been considered when they
built the Daddy Long Legs+.

In order to take full advantage of
this engineering, there are two very important factors when fitting this putter
to your stroke. The first has to do with hand placement on the putter. As you
determine the length putter to buy, remember that all of the weight in the grip
should be above your hands when you set up. So the proper length for you will
be at least 2 inches longer than your normal fit requires. Example,
if you play a 35 inch conventional putter you will need the 38 inch model or if
you buy the 36.5, choke down to a playing length of 34 or less. Quite
simply if you grip the putter at the end as you would normally, you eliminate
the benefit of the counter weight.

Second, make absolutely sure your
hands are directly under your shoulders and over your toes when you set
up to the ball, as illustrated by the gold circle in the fitting photo near
right. How the rest of your body fits around this point of intersection is much
less critical than the relationship of hands to shoulders and feet. First, this
posture insures a balanced set up, which will help you stay stable when this
heavier putter is in motion. Second, and more critical, when swinging a putter
with increased overall weight, gravity becomes an issue as the putter moves. If
your hands are too close to your body, as you go in motion, gravity attempts to
pull your arms in line with your shoulders. This creates a backswing path on
one line, and the putter coming back to the ball on a different path, manifests
itself in consistent strikes on the heel of the putter. The same is true when
your hands are too far away. Gravity and putter weight will pull them back
under your shoulders while you are in motion. This will result is a loopy
stroke with backswing and forward swing on different paths and a toe hit as
well.

The
final secret to using the Daddy Long Legs+ is more strategic. Once the putter
is fit, your hands placed correctly on the putter, and you have developed a set
up routine that aims the putter properly, with the hands positioned in the
proper relationship to shoulders and feet, you have to swing the putter with no
sense of direction!!! I know this sounds crazy but it is absolutely necessary
with an extreme moi putter. This putter is built to help you swing
on a path determined by the direction the face is pointed. Any attempt by hands
or arms to steer it, can move the putter offline, forcing you to correct the
move. While this is difficult with any putter, it is almost impossible with a
heavy, high moi model to get the putter back on track. The trick is to
focus on how far you need to take the putter back for the length of putt you
have, rather than what direction you take the putter back. If you
leave it alone this putter will track online all by itself.

Once
you have your new Daddy Long Legs+ dialed in, the best way to develop a feel
for this uninhibited motion is to practice with your eyes closed. Aim, set
up, and then close your eyes and make the stroke. This drill will give you a
keen sense of where the putter is balanced to swing.

If
you are interested in trying this newest putter in the TaylorMade line or
want to know if this model is a good option for you, you can contact me by
commenting on this post, or contact me at The Fort Golf Resort in Indianapolis,
Indiana.

About Me

Bruce Rearick, is the owner of Burnt Edges Consulting, offering a better understanding of the science and art of putting. He is considered an industry expert in putter design, fitting and the relationship of those parameters to the putting stroke. His clients include putter manufacturers as well as instructors, and players.

Find out more about Bruce's services at bruce@burntedgesconsulting .com